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Academic Freedom and Responsibility

Swarthmore College has long subscribed to the fundamental tenets of academic freedom articulated in the 1940 “Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure” by the American Association of University Professors. This doctrine has been reiterated and amplified in the association’s 1970 “Statement on Freedom and Responsibility.” Swarthmore College adheres to the 1970 Statement, relevant portions of which are reproduced below. The complete texts of the Association's 1940 and 1970 statements are available online.

Membership in the academic community imposes on students, faculty members, administrators, and trustees an obligation to respect the dignity of others, to acknowledge their right to express differing opinions, and to foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and instruction, and free expression on and off campus. The right of students to exercise free expression, including peaceful dissent, orderly demonstrations, protests, and picketing, will be respected. Swarthmore College honors the American Association of University Professors’ statements on freedom and responsibility, including the following: “The expression of dissent and the attempt to produce change, therefore, may not be carried out in ways that injure individuals or damage institutional facilities or disrupt the classes of one’s teachers or colleagues. Speakers on campus must not only be protected from violence, but also be given an opportunity to be heard. Those who seek to call attention to grievances must not do so in ways that significantly impede the functions of the institution.”

Expressions of dissent are expected in any living and learning community, but this expression must not interfere with normal College business. It is a violation of the norms of this academic community for anyone to prevent the conduct of College business, including lectures, meetings, events (such as admissions tours or job interviews), ceremonies, or other necessary business and community functions. Protests are permissible, except in the following locations: classrooms, offices, libraries, dining halls (including cafes), Worth Health Center, residence hall rooms, and lecture halls, ensuring that the normal work, residential experiences, and services of the College can continue. Students who disrupt the functions of the College, including violating the rights of community members and invited speakers to speak, may be subject to the judicial process.

Students are entitled to an atmosphere conducive to learning and to evenhanded treatment in all aspects of the teacher–student relationship. Faculty members may not refuse to enroll or teach students because of the student’s beliefs or the possible uses to which they may put the knowledge to be gained in a course. The student should not be forced by the authority inherent in the instructional role to make particular personal choices as to political action or her/his own part in society. Evaluation of students and the award of credit must be based on academic performance professionally judged and not on matters irrelevant to that performance, such as personality, race, religion, degree of political activism, or personal beliefs.

If a student has a grievance against a faculty member that cannot be resolved directly with the faculty member who is involved, then the student should take her or his concerns to the department chair. If the grievance remains unresolved, then the student should contact the provost. For a grievance based on discrimination, including harassment, the student is encouraged to consult with the director of equal opportunity and engagement or, in the case of sexual misconduct, the Title IX coordinator.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined as a violation of the College’s standards of academic integrity whether these violations are intentional or unintentional. Academic misconduct consists of cheating on an exam, plagiarism on an academic assignment, or unauthorized collaborative work.

Evidence of academic misconduct may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Some of the student’s work coincides with or closely paraphrases a source that is not properly acknowledged.

Glaring coincidences in the work of students on exams, papers, problem sets, etc., where cooperation in producing the work was not permitted.

Submission of the same work in more than one course. When submitting any work to an instructor for a course, it is assumed that the work was produced specifically for that course. Submission of the same work in more than one course without prior approval is prohibited.

Sources that must be acknowledged include, but are not limited to, lab manuals, books, articles in books, journal articles, and web pages, along with graphs, charts, tables, data sets, etc., in any of the sources just mentioned. Proper acknowledgment must indicate both the source and how it served as a source for any specific portions of the student’s assignment.

The informal nature of some writing may obviate the necessity of rigorously formal citation, but still requires honest attribution to original authors of all borrowed materials. Students should feel free to consult with instructors or librarians whenever there is doubt as to proper documentation.

A faculty member who has good evidence to suspect a student or students of academic misconduct will, at the faculty member’s discretion, consult the department chair about the case and then meet with the student (or students) to discuss the incident in question. At the faculty member’s discretion, the department chair or other department faculty member may be present. After this meeting, if the faculty member’s suspicions are not allayed, the faculty member will submit a report to the director of student conduct. The report will include a narrative of the incident and evidence supporting the charge. The College Judiciary Committee will typically resolve a complaint under the academic misconduct policy, particularly if facts are contested.

However, a respondent student may request resolution through an administrative adjudication to be conducted by the student conduct administrator (typically the Associate Dean of Students). The student conduct administrator will meet with the reporting faculty member and the responding student to determine responsibility and render a decision as to what sanctions, if applicable, may be implemented. Both parties must agree to resolution by administrative adjudication. The case packet -- consisting of the faculty member’s report, relevant academic materials, and any response to the allegation -- will serve as the primary evidence in making a determination of responsibility. Both parties must receive notice, the opportunity to review the case packet in advance, and the opportunity to present relevant information to the student conduct administrator.

An administrative adjudication is particularly appropriate for a first offense for which the responding student has admitted to the academic misconduct and there is no significant dispute in the relevant facts of the case packet. In deciding whether the academic policy has been violated, the student conduct administrator will reach a determination by a preponderance of the evidence standard– that is, whether the conduct was more likely than not to have occurred as alleged. Even when requested, depending upon the nature or severity of an allegation (entire senior thesis, a significant number of students involved, no prior College precedent, etc.) the student conduct administrator may decline to handle the matter through an administrative adjudication and refer the case to the College Judiciary Committee at any time.

In cases where a student has a pre-existing offense or in cases that do not have any existing precedent the case will be automatically referred to the College Judiciary Committee for adjudication.

Committee on Academic Requirements

The Committee on Academic Requirements (CAR) is the standing committee of the faculty charged with regular review of students’ academic programs and the administration of faculty regulations concerning academic standards and requirements. The committee is also empowered to recommend to the faculty waivers of certain requirements (i.e., the senior-year residency requirement, etc.). Requests for waivers are carefully evaluated by the committee and forwarded to the faculty only when a general educational advantage is perceived.

With the dean of students and the associate dean of academic affairs as co-chairs, the committee regularly meets at the end of each semester to review records of students who might not be making satisfactory progress or who are under advisement from previous CAR mandates. Student records may be reviewed at other times should information arise about academic difficulties that were not available at the time of the regular committee meetings.

The committee may take one of several actions including, but not limited to:

Warnings: Students meet with the dean’s staff member as needed.

Probation: Students may be placed on academic probation, continued on probation, or removed from probation. Rising seniors and current seniors may receive a senior letter, which may include probationary status, if the Committee is concerned about a student's progress to graduation. The student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) are informed, and the student meets regularly with a dean's staff member.

Required to withdraw: The student must take a leave of absence for a semester or longer and engage in meaningful activity: classes, work, or volunteer activities. In order to return, the student must write a detailed letter to the dean of students requesting permission to return, explaining what happened, what was done while the student was away, and a plan for how the student will address these issues upon return. In some cases, the student will be required to bring back credits, pre-approved by departments, to catch up with the student’s class standing. Appeals may be made to the dean of students at the time of notification of the change of status. The student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) are notified, because this is considered a change of status. Students who are granted permission to return will be placed on probation for at least one semester upon their return to campus.

Computer Systems and Networks Acceptable Use Policy

Use of the Swarthmore College computer systems and networks is governed by the general norms of responsible community conduct described in the student, faculty, and staff handbooks; by the College’s electronic privacy policy; by local, state and federal laws; and by College policies specific to use of the computer systems and networks, which are described in the following sections.

This policy refers to all who use the computers, networks, and peripherals owned or operated by the College, or who gain access to third-party computers and networks through the College's system. Swarthmore College normally grants access to its computing network and systems to currently enrolled students, to current and emeriti faculty, and to currently employed staff.

Individuals with access to the Swarthmore College network have the following obligations and responsibilities:

To respect other people and the College’s intellectual environment. Use of the network may not violate College policies, federal, state, or local law, including the laws of defamation, forgery, and harassment.

To not engage in copyright/trademark infringement: The copying of copyrighted materials such as music, movies, and other multi-media via Internet peer-to-peer file sharing software or other means is strictly forbidden. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides an opportunity for online service providers (OSPs) to shield themselves from liability for the actions of their subscribers who infringe on the copyrights of others. All institutions of higher education that provide Internet access fall within the scope of the definition of an OSP, with subscribers being their students, faculty, and staff. Information about the DMCA and the College’s policy on copyright infringement is available at www.swarthmore.edu/its_copyright.xml.

To protect each individual’s accounts from unauthorized use by others. Every account is provided for the use of a specific individual and may not be shared with nor loaned to others. Additionally, office computers are generally assigned to specific individuals for College-related work. All members of the community must obtain permission before using a computer not assigned to them.

To respect the integrity of other users’ accounts. Individuals must not attempt to decode passwords or access information illegitimately. For example, sending electronic mail under another person’s name (forged email) is a violation of this policy.

To avoid engaging in any activity that may reasonably be expected to be harmful to the systems operated by the College, including, but not limited to, attempting to disrupt, gain unauthorized access to, or damage computing and network systems (hardware and software) belonging to Swarthmore College, or to use the College’s computing resources to disrupt, infiltrate, or damage systems belonging to others on campus or around the world. When a system vulnerability is discovered, users are expected to report it to Information Technology Services (ITS).

To avoid excessive use of shared resources, whether through monopolizing systems, overloading networks, misusing printers or other resources, or sending spam or unsolicited mass electronic mail.

Violations of these guidelines that come to the attention of ITS will be referred as appropriate to the Dean’s Office, Provost’s Office, or Human Resources Office. Where appropriate, ITS may temporarily withhold services from students, faculty, or staff while referring the case in a timely manner to the appropriate College office. Sanctions can also include termination of all OSP services to the individual(s).

Voluntary leaves of absence. Student leaves of absence for the duration of a semester are freely permitted. Some fines may occur if late notice is given. A student planning a leave of absence should seek permission from a Dean and submit the necessary information to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs prior to the deadline published each semester—usually November 15 and April 1. When possible, the student should specify the date of expected return and the student must secure return approval with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs prior to return (usually by November 15 or July 1). Please note that some leaves may affect the student’s re-payment of loans.

Withdrawal. Withdrawal from the College may occur for academic, disciplinary, health, personal, or financial reasons and may be voluntary or required by the College. Students withdrawing from the College before the end of the semester normally receive the grade notation “W” (withdrawal) on their permanent record for all in-progress courses.

Involuntary withdrawals. The College provides a wide range of services to support and address the mental and physical health needs of our students. We encourage all students to use these resources, and our first concern is the health and welfare of all members of our community. However, students whose behavior causes them to pose a direct threat to the health, welfare, and safety of others on campus or interferes with the academic performance or educational endeavors of others may be required to withdraw from the College. Under these circumstances, students will first be given the opportunity to take a voluntary leave or withdrawal through the process described above. In no case will a student’s mental or physical condition itself be the basis for a withdrawal required by the College.

If a student is exhibiting behaviors that may pose a direct threat to the health, welfare, and safety of others on campus, or if the student’s behavior interferes with the academic performance or the educational endeavors of other students, the dean of students may mandate a mental health evaluation to determine whether the student can safely remain on campus. The evaluation will be conducted by a health care professional who possesses competent medical expertise. The evaluation will involve an individualized assessment, based on the student’s conduct, actions, and statements, and current medical knowledge or the best available objective evidence, to ascertain the nature, duration, and severity of the risk and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services will mitigate the risk. A report of this evaluation is made to the dean of students, who will provide that report to the Evaluation Committee in advance of a meeting with the student.

The decision to require withdrawal for health-related reasons will be made by the Evaluation Committee, consisting of the associate dean for academic affairs, who will serve as the chair, and two other deans appointed by the associate dean of academic affairs.

The dean of students will arrange for the Evaluation Committee to meet with the student and will notify the student in writing of their referral to a meeting and inform the student of the time, date, and location of the meeting. The Evaluation Committee will not be convened until the evaluation described above has been completed and its findings have been submitted to the Dean.

Notice of the meeting will be considered adequate if it is sent to the student’s last known address registered with the College or is hand delivered to the student at least three (3) business days in advance of the meeting time.

The Evaluation Committee will conduct an informal meeting with the student in order to determine an appropriate course of action under this policy. The following guidelines will govern the meeting:

The student will have the right to be present throughout the entire meeting.

The meeting will be conducted even if the student fails to attend.

A family member and/or a qualified mental health professional may accompany the student to the meeting. Legal counsel will not be permitted at this meeting. The student will be expected to speak on their own behalf whenever possible.

The student will have the right to review all case information before the meeting with the exception of personal or confidential notes of College administrators regarding the case. The information will be made available to the student in the Dean’s Office during normal business hours at least two (2) business days before the scheduled meeting.

The meeting will be conversational and non-adversarial whenever possible. Formal rules of evidence will not apply, except that the chair may exclude evidence that is not relevant or is cumulative.

The student has the right to question any witnesses who may present information at the meeting and comment on all documents presented.

The student shall have the right to submit their own medical report or statements.

Any party who becomes disruptive to the meeting process may be asked to leave.

The Evaluation Committee will review the evaluation report and other available information about the student and make a determination as to: 1) whether the student should be involuntarily withdrawn from the College or from on-campus housing; or 2) whether the student can remain in school and/or continue to live in on-campus housing under specified conditions. The findings by the Evaluation Committee will require the concurrence of any two of the three committee members. The Evaluation Committee will make its findings based on the student’s conduct, actions, and statements and the available medical and other evidence.

Upon completion of the meeting, the Evaluation Committee will submit its written findings to the dean of students within three (3) business days. This document will include the findings of the committee, the reason(s) for the finding, and:

If the committee requires an involuntary withdrawal, whether the student is eligible to be considered for re-enrollment, including the conditions the student must meet to be considered and any length of time that must pass before the student can apply for re-enrollment, OR

If the team does not require an involuntary withdrawal, any conditions that the student must meet in order to remain enrolled in the College and/or remain in on-campus housing.

The dean of students will notify the student in writing within three (3) business days after receiving the committee’s written findings. If the recommendation is to allow the student to remain enrolled at the College and/or remain in on-campus housing, the student will meet with the dean of students to discuss any conditions that must be met for return to College or on-campus housing.

The provisions in this involuntary withdrawal policy do not take the place of disciplinary actions that are in response to violations of the College’s policies and regulations, and they do not preclude the removal or dismissal of students from the College or campus housing as a result of violations of the College’s policies and regulations.

Return after leave of absences or hospitalization. Students who go on a leave of absence or who are hospitalized for a period of time during the semester are subject to readmission procedures before they may return to campus to resume their studies. The College applies its readmission procedures in a nondiscriminatory manner and may require any documentation or evaluation it deems appropriate. A student returning to campus from the hospital must communicate with the Student Health and Wellness Center director or designee prior to returning to on-campus housing to ensure the student’s readiness to resume college life and so that follow-up care can be discussed. A student returning from an inpatient mental health facility or hospital must communicate with the director of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), or designee, prior to returning to on-campus housing, attending classes, or other College sponsored events.

Readmission following withdrawal. A student who has taken a leave of absence or withdrawn from the College for any reason, voluntary or involuntary, may apply for readmission by writing to the assistant dean for academic affairs. Normally, the College will not accept applications for readmission until a full semester, in addition to the semester in which the student has withdrawn, has passed. For a complete description of the readmission process, please refer to the Swarthmore College Bulletin (section 8.5.3).

The Swarthmore College Libraries are committed to providing a safe, pleasant and productive environment for study and research. The Libraries would like to make students aware that policies regarding use of the library buildings and their contents may be found at: https://www.swarthmore.edu/libraries/borrowing.

The College expressly prohibits any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of any College-recognized protected classification, including sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or involvement in a College program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the Borough of Swarthmore Ordinance on Non-Discrimination.

Swarthmore College, as an educational community, will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of discrimination and harassment based on a protected classification in order to eliminate the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community.

Swarthmore College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons without discrimination against any person by reason of any College-recognized protected classification, including sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability.

In keeping with the long-standing traditions of the College and the spirit and letter of the federal and state equal opportunity laws, we affirm it is the standing policy of the College to realize equality of opportunity in education and employment; to guard against discrimination contrary to that aim; and to correct discriminatory behavior if found to exist within the College community. Consistent with maintaining an educational program of the highest quality, our standing policy includes affirmative efforts to achieve the above goals in employment and education.

The above policy has been and shall be further implemented by the President and by members of the faculty and administration designated by the President for that purpose. (Adopted by the Board of Managers 1 March 1975, with amendments 24 April 1976, 3 December 1977, 7 December 1985, and 5 March 2007.)

These policies apply to all College community members, including faculty, staff, students, and volunteers.

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